The 2024 Senior Bowl will provide an opportunity for NFL draft prospects to prove themselves on the largest pre-draft stage. Oklahoma offensive tackle Tyler Guyton plans on taking full advantage. Guyton recently spoke exclusively with the Senior Bowl and Draft Network to discuss his motivation for accepting his invitation to compete in Mobile, Alabama.
Guyton also discussed what he's striving to prove to NFL general managers and scouts in attendance at the Senior Bowl, displaying his athleticism, why his traits make him a first-round worthy tackle, and more. Let's get to know Guyton better ahead of his journey to the Senior Bowl.
JM: Where were you when you found out about your Senior Bowl invite and what was your initial reaction?
Tyler Guyton: I was at the facility at Oklahoma. I was extremely excited to receive my invite. I was hoping to have this opportunity to showcase my dynamic skill set. Luckily, the invite came through for me. I was extremely excited. I feel very blessed, man.
JM: That sounds like an incredible moment. What motivated you to accept the Senior Bowl’s offer?
Tyler Guyton: I want to show everyone what I’m capable of. If there are any lingering questions about my skill set and upside, I want to put them to bed. I’m going to leave it all out there on the field. The Senior Bowl is giving me an opportunity to get one step closer to fulfilling my dream. I’m thankful for that.
JM: What are you specifically hoping to prove to NFL general managers, coaching staffs, and scouts in attendance in Mobile?
Tyler Guyton: I want to prove that I’m ready and worthy of being selected. I’m going to come into our facility with the right attitude and approach every single day. I’m ready and willing to work. I want to prove that I’m capable of playing right away. I’ve grown and matured a lot as a player and person. That’s really my main focus.
JM: We’ve seen the growth. There may be some similar traits here, but how would you write your own scouting report? What would you say about yourself?
Tyler Guyton: I’d say that I’m very athletic and quick. I’m nimble and light on my feet. I can move around and play in multiple schemes. I’m great in pass protection. I like to get out there on the edge in run blocking, I love working the second and third level. I’m improving both in pass pro and as a run blocker every single day.
I feel like I’m an all-around player. Of course, there are always things I can work on and improve on though. I feel like I’m what teams are looking for at the offensive tackle position in the 2024 NFL Draft.
JM: I love that breakdown, and I feel like you are as well. If you had to compare yourself to a current NFL offensive lineman, who would you choose and why?
Tyler Guyton: I’d probably say Andrew Thomas. That might be a curveball for some people. I feel like we’re both offensive tackles with incredible foot speed. We’re both light on our feet. We’re both excellent in pass protection.
I really look up to Andrew Thomas and try to model my game after his. I feel like Andrew Thomas is my closest comparison.
JM: I think that’s a great point and an outstanding comparison. When I turn the tape on, I see an extremely athletic blocker who’s very light on his feet with easy movement skills. I see a prospect that’s an exceptional athlete with a lot of upside. Are those traits at the forefront of your identity as an offensive tackle? Do you agree with my assessment?
Tyler Guyton: I think you’re spot on with everything you just said, Justin. Wow. You completely hit the nail on the head! I think my upside is extremely exciting. A lot of coaches and scouts feel like I have a lot of untapped potential. It excites me.
JM: It excites me as well. I always love hearing about plays an offensive lineman enjoys running. What were practices like at Oklahoma, and what’s some of the stuff you really enjoy running?
Tyler Guyton: I really love running plays that allow me to climb to the second and third levels. We had some plays at Oklahoma where I was pulling around the tight end and climbing up to cornerbacks and safeties. Those plays allowed me to display my speed and athleticism.
Practicing at Oklahoma completely changed me as a player. Offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh is always going to give you NFL-level coaching. That’s just the type of leader he is. He prepared me for the next level. I feel like I can play in any type of scheme.
JM: We saw that athleticism on tape. Would you say your game is more developed in pass pro, or as a run blocker at this point in time?
Tyler Guyton: I think my game is currently more developed in pass protection. I’ve definitely been working on my run-blocking every day though. I’m working to get better in pass pro, too. My main focus right now is on getting better as a run blocker.
JM: How do you handle speed differently from power in pass pro?
Tyler Guyton: Usually when you’re going up against a speedier pass rusher, you need to be more patient with him. Let him touch you before you touch him. It’s the complete opposite with power.
JM: That’s terrific analysis. Do you have a preferred pass set?
Tyler Guyton: No, I actually don’t. All pass sets are good pass sets in my opinion. It just depends on the rusher and what you’re going up against. Doing detailed film study will help you identify the right pass set for the right opponent.
JM: You identify that stuff on film. What’s on Tyler Guyton’s pre-game playlist?
Tyler Guyton: I like to listen to all different types of music. I like listening to faster rap music, and also some slow music as well. I have artists like Erykah Badu on my playlist. I love music that really gets me going and music that helps me stay calm and poised as well. I like music that gets you to live in the moment.
I definitely have a playlist that gets me all hyped up as well (laughs).
JM: Wow, Erykah Badu. That’s a great shout. We’ve appreciated your time today. This has been outstanding, Tyler. In closing, what does a successful Senior Bowl look like in your opinion?
Tyler Guyton: A successful Senior Bowl means I turned a lot of heads. I want to carve out a bigger name for myself down there in Mobile. I want to prove to every NFL scout that I’ve been working on the aspects of my game they want to see improvement in.
I’m going to leave the Senior Bowl a very happy person. I’m going to be confident that I did my job while achieving the goals I set out to achieve.
